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NCCU Campus News | Reported by Yang Kai-Chieh

Lin Tzu-Ting, an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at National Chengchi University (NCCU), was awarded the 12th Ministry of Education Outstanding General Education Instructor Award for her core general education course, Psychology and Life. Having taught at NCCU for over a decade, she transforms complex psychological concepts into practical tools for daily reflection. She not only allows psychology to gently and deeply permeate her students’ daily lives, but also guides countless learners to practice self-awareness and mindful living long after stepping out of the classroom.

Facing a large general education class of over a hundred students each semester, Lin maintains a natural curiosity about people. She views every student as an independent and complete individual, jokingly admitting that she observes them with the curiosity of studying a “new species”—striving to understand what the new generation thinks, cares about, and how they perceive themselves and the world around them.

 

Lin Tzu-Ting firmly believes that general education extends beyond imparting knowledge—it is about creating a safe space that accepts all emotions and lets students express themselves freely. (Photo: Secretariat)

 

Turning General Education Flexibility into Highlights to Create an Engaging Classroom

Having taught the exact same course 16 times over 10 years, her sheer familiarity with the material once made her worry about falling into autopilot and losing her original passion for teaching. To keep her enthusiasm alive, she constantly reminds herself: “While this content may be familiar to me after so many repetitions, for the students sitting there, it might be the very first time in their lives hearing it.” This mindset allows her to respond to every new cohort with genuine warmth and enthusiasm, even when explaining the same concepts or sharing familiar jokes.

Speaking on the difference between general education and specialized courses, Lin points out that specialized courses require a strict, mandatory structure. In contrast, general education offers much greater flexibility, allowing her to extract the core ideas from psychology that she truly wants to share and turn them into engaging highlights that inspire proactive exploration.

She excels at translating dense academic knowledge into relatable, easy-to-understand daily experiences. For example, when explaining brain structures, she uses vivid associations like “tapping your forehead means thinking (frontal lobe)” or “touching the top of your head triggers sensation (parietal lobe)” to help students grasp and memorize concepts instantly. Students often feedback that after completing Psychology and Life, psychology feels like it has “invaded” their lives. Even after leaving class, they continue to reflect on their surroundings, gaining fresh insights and a newfound awareness of things they once took for granted—discovering that psychology is everywhere.

 

Lin excels at translating dense academic knowledge into relatable, easy-to-understand daily experiences. (Photo: Secretariat)

 

Beyond Knowledge Transfer: A Saf Space for Embracing Emotions

Beyond teaching academic content, Lin cares deeply about her students’ mental health. She set up a special section called the “Tree Hole” on the digital learning platform, allowing students to freely write down their inner feelings, worries, or reflections. These entries are visible only to her, serving as a safe space for students to hold quiet dialogues with themselves and process their emotions.

For students looking to explore psychology for the first time, Lin advises against rushing into a single book or perspective. She believes that treating a specific work as the sole starting point can limit one’s mindset and create a false impression of the field. She emphasizes: “Human beings are multi-dimensional, and psychology encompasses many different schools of thought and perspectives.” She encourages students to start with keywords that spark their curiosity or confusion in daily life, maintaining an open mind to explore, verify, and think critically, thereby gradually finding a perspective that resonates with their own life experiences.

“Education is worthwhile because people are willing to work together to do it well and take good care of the students.” Lin deeply recognizes that behind this honor lies a team of teaching assistants and NCCU colleagues who have supported her in refining the course over the past decade. She firmly believes that the purpose of general education extends beyond imparting knowledge—it is about creating a safe haven that accepts all emotions and lets students express themselves freely. When students need to pause and catch their breath, she is ready to accompany them in taking a restful break; when they are ready to set off again, the warmth and psychological insights cultivated in this course will empower them to march toward the future, blooming comfortably at their own pace.

 

Beyond teaching academic content, Lin cares deeply about students’ mental health, setting up a special section called the “Tree Hole” on the digital learning platform. (Photo: Secretariat)

Source: National Chengchi University (https://www.nccu.edu.tw/p/404-1000-23396.php?Lang=zh-tw#gsc.tab=0)

[NCCU News Report by Huang Yi-chen]

The fifth installment of the “General Education Lecture Series: Changing the World” took place on April 27, featuring Professor Su Yeong-chin—former Vice President of the Judicial Yuan and former Justice of the Constitutional Court—as the keynote speaker. Titled “Jurisprudence and Justice Entering the AI Era,“ the lecture explored the essence of legal science and the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence on legal systems and knowledge production.

 

The fifth session of the “Changing the World” General Education Lecture Series was held on April 27, featuring Professor Su Yeong-chin, former Vice President of the Judicial Yuan and former Justice of the Constitutional Court, as the keynote speaker. (Photo by the Secretariat)

The Historical Foundation of Law

Professor Su began by tracing the origins of jurisprudence, reviewing its history as a scholarly discipline since the Middle Ages. He noted that jurisprudence is not a science solely in pursuit of absolute truth, but rather a knowledge system designed to manage interpersonal relationships and social order. Built upon centuries of historical precedent and institutional accumulation, the core function of law remains the regulation of behavior, the resolution of conflict, and the maintenance of societal operations. Su emphasized that legal education holds a pivotal position in a state governed by the rule of law, serving as the essential foundation for the entire system’s functionality.

 

Professor Su Yeong-chin emphasized: “The implementation of AI must begin at the grassroots level; any stage involving decision-making must be approached with extreme caution.” (Photo by the Secretariat)

AI as a New Medium for Knowledge

Addressing the shifts brought about by AI, Professor Su drew a historical parallel to the invention of the printing press and its profound impact on legal development. He identified Generative AI as a modern evolution of the knowledge medium.

“Generative AI has arrived at precisely the right moment,” Su remarked. “While it is not yet at a stage where it can replace human thought, it is immensely helpful for practical application.”

Professor Su distinguished between practical jurisprudence and theoretical jurisprudence, predicting that AI would first permeate the former. Tasks reliant on existing knowledge and established rules—such as summarizing judgments, data aggregation, and drafting educational materials—already showcase AI’s significant potential. Conversely, judicial work involving final adjudications, constitutional values, and the protection of human rights remains beyond the reach of AI for the foreseeable future.

 

Lin Chi-ping, Vice President for Academic Affairs and the lead instructor for the “Changing the World” general education course, attends the lecture and delivers the opening remarks. (Photo by the Secretariat)

Strategic Implementation and Judicial Reform

During the Q&A session, the discussion centered on the collaboration between AI and legal professionals, as well as strategies to bridge the gap between the public and legal knowledge. Regarding the pace of AI integration, Su noted:

“AI implementation must begin at the grassroots level; any stage involving decision-making must be approached with extreme caution.”

In his closing remarks, Professor Su reminded the audience that technological advancement should not obscure inherent systemic issues. He stressed that current judicial reforms require steady, deliberate progress to gradually build and solidify public trust in the justice system.

[Reported by Tu Yi-hsuan, NCCU News]

On March 30, 2026, the Center for General Education at National Chengchi University (NCCU) hosted the third installment of the “General Education Lectures on Changing the World.” The university invited Dr. Chu Ching-yi, an Academician of the Academia Sinica, to deliver a keynote address titled “Technological and Economic Competition Between the United States and China.” Drawing upon his extensive experience in international trade and global strategy, Academician Chu provided the faculty and students with an in-depth analysis of the complex U.S.-China relationship through the lenses of technological sovereignty and international economic distribution.

 

Academician Chu begins with an overview of the global situation, highlighting the efficiency-oriented globalization process of the past thirty years. (Photo by the Secretariat)

A Paradigm Shift in Global Affairs and Trade Logic

Academician Chu is a seminal figure in Taiwan’s economic landscape. Currently a professor in the Department of Economics at National Taiwan University, his distinguished career includes tenures as Vice President of Academia Sinica, Minister without Portfolio of the Executive Council, Minister of the National Science Council, and Chairman of the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research. Furthermore, he served as the Permanent Representative of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu to the World Trade Organization (WTO), bringing a wealth of practical experience in international economic negotiations to his academic expertise.

During the lecture, Dr. Chu noted that the efficiency-driven globalization of the past three decades is gradually undergoing “fragmentation” due to intensifying geopolitical conflicts. He argued that the logic of international trade has shifted; it is no longer governed solely by cost-efficiency but has become centered on national security and value systems. Amidst high levels of economic interdependence, nations are erecting defensive barriers, causing the global system to pivot from free trade toward a value-based alliance of polarized blocs.

The “Digital Wall” and the Supremacy of Critical Technologies

Regarding the transition of U.S.-China relations from cooperation to structural competition, Dr. Chu observed that both powers are erecting a “Digital Wall” to prevent data breaches and ideological infiltration.“One side of this wall consists of technological blockades, while the other involves prohibitions on data collection,” he explained.

Citing the U.S. bans on TikTok and WeChat, along with efforts to discourage the use of Chinese-made GPS systems, Chu underscored that both parties have entered a phase of profound mutual distrust.

In the realm of technological warfare, Academician Chu emphasized that the core of the current struggle lies in the mastery of critical technologies. He explained that the United States has recently adopted a “Small Yard, High Fence” strategy, imposing stringent export controls on core sectors such as semiconductors, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. The objective is to sever China’s ability to develop advanced weaponry and surveillance technologies, utilizing a level of regulatory force that is unprecedented in history.

Faculty and students listen intently as Academician Chu Ching-yi shares his insights on the international economic climate at the General Education Lecture. (Photo by the Secretariat)

The Evolution of Modern Warfare

Addressing the future of conflict, Dr. Chu posited that competition will migrate toward the “Fifth Space,” dominated by AI and Big Data. Warfare is no longer confined to physical borders; instead, it manifests as “hybrid warfare” involving Deepfake-driven disinformation and cyberattacks designed to paralyze infrastructure.“If you lose the battle in the digital space,” Chu noted, “your actions in the physical space will inevitably be constrained.”

During the interactive session, a student inquired how other nations should navigate the international trade system given the current stalemate within the WTO. Dr. Chu responded that the WTO was established before the advent of the digital era. Consequently, its regulatory framework targets traditional trade and is ill-equipped to address modern digital trade issues. Furthermore, because the WTO operates on a “consensus-based” decision-making process, the system remains largely paralyzed when faced with competition between authoritarian regimes and democratic digital spaces.

With the 2025 inauguration of Donald Trump for a second term, the U.S.-China confrontation has faced new shocks and variables. Dr. Chu remarked candidly that Trump represents an “unguided force,” making his behavior difficult to forecast. When asked how the public should respond to such a chaotic global climate and the future trajectory of U.S.-China relations, he concluded with a touch of humor:

“What should the citizens do? Let the bullets fly for a while longer.”

 

Discussing the future of conflict, Academician Chu suggests that competition will shift toward a “Fifth Space” dominated by AI and Big Data. (Photo by the Secretariat)

By Wu Yu-jie, NCCU News

Redefining Voice Media in the Age of Generative AI

From text generation and voice synthesis to AI agents, the wave of generative AI is fundamentally reshaping media production, information dissemination, and audience engagement. In this shifting landscape, will audio media be replaced, or can it forge a new path forward?

On April 23, the Center for General Education and the Office of University Social Responsibility at National Chengchi University (NCCU) co-hosted a lecture featuring Chris Liu, Deputy President of Radio Taiwan International (RTI). Drawing on RTI’s nearly century-long history, Liu shared insights into the evolution of audio media and discussed how to identify opportunities for transformation amidst the AI surge.

 

 

Director of the Center, Prof. Ai-hsuan Ma (right) , presents a certificate of appreciation. (Photo: Secretariat)

 

The Pillar of Trust: Multilingual Service and Critical Infrastructure

Liu summarized RTI’s contemporary social significance through three keywords: multilingual broadcasting, shortwave radio, and critical infrastructure. As Taiwan’s national public broadcaster, RTI has long delivered information and perspectives from Taiwan to the world. It currently provides services in 20 languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Cantonese, Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Arabic.

“RTI’s relationship with its listeners is like that of lifelong friends,” Liu remarked, noting that the station boasts loyal global audiences with over a decade of “seniority.” This bond, forged through the intimacy of voice, has built a bridge of trust that Liu identifies as a precious asset for public media and a vital direction for future development.

Technologically, RTI maintains its shortwave (SW) broadcasting capabilities. Shortwave’s ability to travel long distances without internet reliance makes it difficult to block and provides anonymity—traits that remain crucial for reaching audiences in politically restrictive regions like China and Myanmar. Furthermore, RTI is designated as National Critical Infrastructure, meaning it must maintain communication and continue broadcasting Taiwan’s voice to the international community during emergencies, natural disasters, or conflict.

 

Chris Liu notes that Taiwan’s evolving demographics have fueled a greater demand for multilingual news and information services. (Photo: Center for General Education)

 

AI Transformation and the Human Element

Addressing the transition to AI, Liu highlighted the increasing demand for multilingual information in Taiwan due to the growing population of migrant workers, new residents, and international marriages. RTI is currently spearheading an AI Transformation Project that utilizes AI translation and synthesis to rapidly convert news into Southeast Asian languages. This initiative aims to uphold the “media access rights” of migrant and new resident communities.

However, Liu issued a reminder regarding the impact on the workforce: while entry-level and repetitive tasks are most susceptible to AI replacement, roles requiring human judgment, on-site presence, and trust-building—such as investigative journalism, explanatory reporting, and community management—will become even more indispensable.

Regarding AI ethics, Liu emphasized four guiding principles:

  • Transparency: Clearly labeling AI-generated or assisted content.

  • Authorization: Respecting data licensing and intellectual property.

  • Non-maleficence: Ensuring technology does not cause harm.

  • Human-in-the-loop: Maintaining the necessity of human decision-making and judgment.

 

Challenges and Future Outlook

Reflecting on RTI’s experience, Liu noted that large-scale transformation is not an overnight process. Organizations often face hurdles such as internal work culture, structural constraints, and regulatory limitations. Beyond management and technology, RTI is actively engaging younger generations through the “Young Voice 100” youth cultivation program and various offline events to deepen physical connections with listeners.

From public service and international broadcasting to linguistic innovation, RTI continues to redefine its role in the AI era. “We position ourselves as a platform for international exchange, not just a media outlet that broadcasts content,” Liu concluded.

       A high level of engagement was seen among the attending faculty and students. (Photo: Secretariat)

By Yang Kai-jie, NCCU News

 

The Core Pillars: Desire, Ideals, and Will

On April 13, the Center for General Education at National Chengchi University (NCCU) hosted the fourth installment of the “Changing the World” General Education Lecture Series at the Chen-En Lecture Hall. The event featured Yeh Chi-jeng, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at National Taiwan University, who delivered a keynote titled “The Interplay of Desire, Ideals, and Will: The Collective Mental Mechanism of ‘Changing the World’.” Rumored to be perhaps his final public lecture, the event drew a large audience of faculty and students eager to explore the underlying forces driving social evolution and epochal change.

Professor Yeh posited that from the 19th to the 21st century, Western social theory has revolved around three core concepts regarding global change: desire, ideals, and will. He argued that the “world” is the result of social changes occurring in chronological sequence, while “changing the world” is a state of subjective action that must manifest within the individual. Consequently, to alter existing social structures, one must first transform the self through education and continuous introspection to achieve self-awakening.

 

Yeh Chi-jeng highlights that overturning authoritarianism requires both democratic ideals and the alignment of historical timing to achieve substantive change. (Photo: Secretariat)

 

The Manifestation of Collective Will: The Case of Taiwan

Yeh further explained that the key to collective action lies in how instinctive human desires are transformed into specific ideals, which are then executed through the persistence of will. The friction and synergy between these three elements serve as the “locomotive” driving the world forward.

To illustrate the manifestation of collective will, Professor Yeh cited Taiwan’s democratization process. He reflected on the Formosa Incident (1979) and the Wild Lily Student Movement (1990), explaining that these historical turning points represented more than just structural shifts; they were a profound awakening in the thought and action of the Taiwanese people. However, he noted that for collective will to successfully overturn an authoritarian regime, it requires not only a foundation of democratic ideals but also the alignment of specific historical opportunities to achieve substantive reform.

Addressing contemporary society, Yeh offered a sharp critique of globalization and capitalist expansion. He analyzed how society has shifted from a focus on production to a core of consumption and temptation. This invisible conditioning amplifies human desire while eroding the power of the oppressed classes to consolidate their free will, leading individuals to become unconsciously immersed in digital consumption and instant gratification.

 

Professor Yeh Chi-jeng delivers what is likely his final lecture, attracting a significant turnout at the academic event exploring the mechanisms of social change. (Photo: Secretariat)

Capitalist Logic, Utilitarianism, and the AI Impact

During the Q&A session, students and faculty raised concerns about modern universities becoming “academic production machines” governed by KPIs and point systems, as well as the impending impact of Artificial Intelligence.

In response, Professor Yeh encouraged students not to blindly chase fame and fortune within a system dominated by capitalist logic. Instead, he urged them to seek and adhere to their own ideals and pursue genuine “inner freedom” (zizai). He emphasized that 21st-century politics should evolve toward a “politics of the soul,” where the public cultivates compassion and rationality rather than being consumed by rigid ideologies or market logic.

“The future of politics lies in the spirit; we must cultivate love and reason to avoid being swallowed by the machinery of capital.”

As the lecture concluded, Professor Yeh shared a poignant reflection, noting that he had taught at NCCU for two years a half-century ago and still holds a deep, indescribable affection for the institution. The lecture, rich in philosophical depth and contemporary relevance, ended to thunderous applause, leaving the audience to reconsider the vital relationship between the self and society.

Urging a departure from the pursuit of wealth and status under the logic of capital, Professor Yeh exhorts the youth to strive for a life of genuine self-possession. (Photo: Secretariat)

By Campus News Reporter Yu-Chieh Wu

The general education lecture titled “Finding Stability Amid Change: Value Positioning and Adaptation in the Age of AI” was held on March 26 at the Mingda Lecture Hall of the College of Law at National Chengchi University. The event featured Dr. Ching-Hsuan Liu, who holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from National Taipei University of Technology and serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at I-Shou University. She shared insights on how individuals can establish their sense of self in a rapidly changing world.

 

AI Anxiety: From Assistive Tool to Fear of Replacement

Dr. Liu began by reflecting on her early clinical career, which required extensive interaction with patients and involved physically and emotionally demanding work. Motivated by the desire to improve efficiency through technological tools, she transitioned into the field of computer science. However, with the rapid advancement of AI, she admitted to experiencing a sense of anxiety: “The tools that once helped me now seem to be replacing me.”

She noted that AI excels at tasks such as generation, organization, comparison, prediction, and optimization, outperforming humans in efficiency and large-scale information processing. Nevertheless, this does not diminish human value. “AI is responsible for ‘how to do’ things, whereas humans ultimately determine ‘why to do’ them,” she emphasized.

In addressing concerns about AI replacing human roles, Dr. Liu suggested that instead of viewing AI as a competitor, individuals should reconsider what fundamentally defines human value and uniqueness. While AI is adept at data collection, analysis, and prediction, humans possess the ability to assign meaning, make value judgments, assume responsibility, build relationships and trust, and integrate experiences of suffering and vulnerability—qualities that AI cannot replicate.

Ching-Hsuan Liu noted that rather than viewing AI as a competitor, it is more important to reconsider the values and characteristics that define what it means to be human. (Photo credit: Secretariat Office)

The Unique Value of Being Human

Dr. Liu likened AI to a mirror that reflects whether individuals are merely engaging in “soulless labor.” She argued that those who cultivate unique perspectives and integrate their life experiences into their work are far less likely to be replaced. She candidly shared that, whether in medical practice or teaching, what matters most to her is the sense of dignity and self-worth gained through human interaction.

She repeatedly stressed that human value is not determined by correctness or efficiency, but by the ability to provide warmth and support to others. “This is why I can confidently say that I do not believe I will be replaced—because I have truly lived,” he said in a firm yet gentle tone.

Finding Self-Positioning in the Age of AI

During the interactive session, a student asked how to find one’s place in the AI era. Dr. Liu responded that self-exploration is a gradual process built upon long-term life experiences. She encouraged students to begin by identifying their strengths and interests, distinguishing between societal expectations and their genuine inner aspirations, and then taking concrete action.

She also shared a personal example involving her child, who took a leave from school to reassess their direction. Dr. Liu acknowledged that, at critical junctures in life, slowing down and allowing time for exploration can ultimately lead to a path better suited for long-term development.

In her concluding remarks, Dr. Liu urged students to reflect on and redefine the kind of person they aspire to become. In the age of AI, she emphasized, individuals should focus on their irreplaceable human qualities, gain clarity about their purpose in life, and refrain from competing with technology in terms of speed and efficiency.

 

 

Director of the Center for General Education, Ai-Hsuan Sandra Ma (right), presents a certificate of appreciation and a commemorative gift to award recipient Ching-Hsuan Liu (left), followed by a group photo. (Photo credit: Secretariat Office)

Source: National Chengchi University

[Center for General Education News]

The inaugural session of the newly established General Education course for the Spring 2026 semester, the “Changing the World General Education Lecture Series,” was held on March 2 at the Cheng-En Lecture Hall, College of Law. Titled “Is Innovation a Science?”, the lecture featured Professor Se-Hwa Wu, Chair Professor of the Graduate Institute of Technology Management and Intellectual Property at the College of Commerce.

Professor Wu has an illustrious career in academia and public service, having served as the Dean of the College of Commerce, Director of the Center for Innovation and Creativity, President of National Chengchi University (NCCU), and Minister of Education. Given his long-standing tenure and deep emotional ties to NCCU, Professor Wu delivered a profound two-hour presentation. He elucidated why innovation is considered a rigorous “science,” exploring its conceptual roots, historical development, inherent possibilities, and its transformative impact on global civilization.

Professor Se-Hwa Wu, Chair Professor at the Graduate Institute of Technology Management and Intellectual Property, inaugurates the “Changing the World” series with a lecture titled “Is Innovation a Science?”, expounding on the significance and essence of innovation. (Photo Credit: Center for General Education)

The Evolution of Innovation: From Industrial Economy to Humanistic Sustainability

Professor Wu began by defining the core meaning and objectives of innovation, distinguishing it from creativity, inventiveness, and entrepreneurship. He then analyzed the practical evolution of innovation through various case studies:

  • Innovation 1.0 (Industrial Economy): Focused on capital concentration and entrepreneurial drive. Key examples included Ford (process innovation), General Motors (brand innovation), and Starbucks (innovation of meaning).

  • Innovation 2.0 (Knowledge Economy): Guided by Moore’s Law, Gilder’s Law, and Metcalfe’s Law. Companies leveraged emerging technologies for breakthroughs, exemplified by TSMC and the Pokémon phenomenon.

  • Innovation 3.0 (Humanistic Sustainable Economy): Driven by new technologies, values, and generational shifts, innovation has become a daily necessity. Notable examples included ColaLife’s infant incubator liners and IMPCT, an educational investment platform founded by NCCU students.

Professor Wu analyzes barriers to innovation and introduces the “Ten Lectures on Innovation” as a guide for action, emphasizing rational insight and sustainable practice. (Photo Credit: Center for General Education)

A Guide for Action: The “Ten Lectures on Innovation”

Addressing why innovation often fails, Professor Wu introduced his “Ten Lectures on Innovation” as a framework for success. He concluded that innovation is the intersection of rational insight and sustainable practice. The overlapping social, economic, and personal goals of innovation continue to reshape the trajectory of modern civilization.

The Q&A session was moderated by Vice President for Academic Affairs Chi-Ping Lin. Students seized the opportunity to ask about innovation within the public sector. Professor Wu responded by sharing successful case studies from his tenure as Minister of Education. The lecture seamlessly integrated theory and practice, providing faculty and students with invaluable insights.

Upcoming Lectures

The “Changing the World” series is open to all faculty and students. External guests are also welcome to attend by registering through the online system. The second lecture, featuring Academician Kuan-Yen Hsiao of Academia Sinica, will take place on March 16. His topic, “Rousseau’s Social Contract and the Shaping of Modern Republican Democracy,” is highly anticipated.

Lecture Series Schedule

  • March 2: Prof. Se-Hwa Wu | Is Innovation a Science?

  • March 16: Prof. Kuan-Yen Hsiao | Rousseau’s Social Contract and the Shaping of Modern Republican Democracy

  • March 30: Prof. Cyrus Chu | The Hegemonic Rivalry Between the US and China

  • April 13: Prof. Chi-Jeng Yeh | Topic TBD

  • April 27: Prof. Yung-Chin Su | Legal Management in the AI Era: A Civil Law Perspective

  • May 11: Prof. Chintay Shih | Topic TBD

  • May 25: Prof. Yu-Yu Cheng | Topic TBD

Reported by Wu Yu-chieh, Campus News

The Center for General Education of National Chengchi University (NCCU) held a panel discussion on the integration of the “Spotlight Taiwan” learning model into teaching on the 24th, inviting faculty members from various departments to explore potential avenues for future collaboration between NCCU and the Chunghwa Telecom Foundation. The goal is to incorporate the experiential practices of Spotlight Taiwan into academic activities.

 

 

The Center for General Education of NCCU held a panel discussion on integrating the “Spotlight Taiwan” learning model into teaching on the 24th. (Photo: Office of Secretariat)

 

Origins of the Collaboration

Since 2009, the Chunghwa Telecom Foundation and NCCU’s Department of Radio and Television have jointly launched the first “Spotlight Taiwan,” calling on university students to “serve with one hand and document with the other.” Participants are encouraged to spend 15 days during the summer in rural and Indigenous communities, providing local services while documenting stories across Taiwan through film and writing.

Growth of the Spotlight Program

Kao Shih-wei, Deputy CEO of the Chunghwa Telecom Foundation and an alumnus of NCCU’s Graduate Institute of Radio and Television, shared that the idea for Spotlight Taiwan emerged from his desire to give back to his juniors during a return visit to campus. Inspired by the concept of service learning, he integrated the Foundation’s 89 “Good Neighbor Digital Centers” across Taiwan to create opportunities for students to live and serve in unfamiliar communities.

Since then, the program has continued to expand—growing from a collaboration with a single department at NCCU to partnerships with universities nationwide. Now in its 16th year, Spotlight Taiwan attracts hundreds of students from across different disciplines every year.

 

Kao Shih-wei, Deputy CEO of the Chunghwa Telecom Foundation and an alumnus of NCCU’s Graduate Institute of Radio and Television, conceived the idea for “Spotlight Taiwan” during conversations with his former professors on a return visit to campus. (Photo: Office of Secretariat)

 

 

Service as the Core Focus

Unlike typical foundation service programs, Spotlight Taiwan emphasizes “service first, documentation second.” Documentation is merely one method of presentation, not the ultimate goal. Students plan and implement service activities based on the actual needs of local residents. Prior to departure, the Foundation provides training in essential skills such as field research, community interviews, and the production of local gazetteers. During the program, students apply their individual expertise to engage deeply with communities, giving voice to local issues while also discovering their own social impact and personal growth.

In an era of interdisciplinary knowledge, the complexity of contemporary problems can no longer be addressed with traditional thinking. “Every problem has corresponding solutions, grounded in the knowledge we have accumulated. Yet the traditional classification of knowledge can no longer bear the weight of today’s complex environment,” said Dean of Academic Affairs Lin Chi-ping. He further noted that NCCU’s efforts in University Social Responsibility (USR) and experimental education align closely with the philosophy of Spotlight Taiwan. By participating in the program, students experience problems firsthand, discover solutions, and integrate the natural, humanistic, and intellectual worlds within themselves—expanding their perspectives and reshaping their personal values.

 

 

 

 

Associate Professor Wang Ya-wei of the Department of Radio and Television, a long-time collaborator with “Spotlight Taiwan,” emphasized that the program prioritizes “service first, documentation second.” (Photo: Office of Secretariat)

 

 

Advantages and Challenges of Integrating the Program into Curriculum

Currently, several universities are in discussions with the Chunghwa Telecom Foundation about condensing the Spotlight Taiwan experience into academic courses. NCCU’s Department of Radio and Television, Chinese Culture University’s Department of Chinese Literature, and National Pingtung University’s Department of Special Education already offer related collaborative courses. These courses shift the execution of the program to the university level, with instructors guiding students through “mini-spotlight” projects. This allows students who cannot participate in the full program to learn how to apply their skills in community service. Associate Professor Wang Ya-wei of the Radio and Television Department noted that students’ limited perspectives often result in highly similar topics; therefore, in addition to technical skills, courses should also teach sociology, anthropology, and other subjects to guide students toward a broader perspective in the field.

Dean Li Wei-lun of the X Experimental College believes that the long-standing knowledge and practical experience of Spotlight Taiwan serve as a model for universities. As a hub for cross-disciplinary, self-directed learning and resource sharing, the College hopes to leverage the Foundation’s valuable experience to further collaborate and develop related courses—allowing students to clarify their identities through learning-by-doing while cultivating a spirit of goodwill. Lin Chi-ping added that NCCU’s active engagement in experimental education, sustainability, and interdisciplinary learning has positioned it at the forefront of innovative teaching in Taiwan. The university will fully support internal teaching units in developing collaborations with the Chunghwa Telecom Foundation.

Associate Professor Lan Mei-hua of the Department of Ethnology offered a different perspective, noting that the value of Spotlight Taiwan lies in the integrity of the full participation process. Compressing it into a two- or three-day course may hinder the original goals and effectiveness of the program. Furthermore, community service should be initiated and carried out by students themselves, with the university providing opportunities rather than all resources. “If the work is meaningful and feasible, resources will naturally follow,” Lan said. Deputy Dean of Academic Affairs and Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Development Hsu Chih-chien added that, at this stage, it may be more practical for the university to first select suitable experimental courses and then align them with the Foundation’s training resources.

 

Vice President for Academic Affairs Lin Chi-ping stated that NCCU is actively committed to experimental education, sustainability, and interdisciplinary learning, and will fully support internal teaching units in developing collaborations with the Chunghwa Telecom Foundation. (Photo: Office of Secretariat)

 

Future Prospects

Ai-hsuan Ma, Deputy Dean of Academic Affairs and Director of the Center for General Education, shared that the Center plans to implement an “N+X” credit course model next semester, serving as a bridge between formal coursework and fully self-directed learning. The “N” component provides students with the foundational knowledge required for fieldwork, followed by the “X” project, in which students independently execute their own initiatives. She believes that under this framework, collaboration with the Chunghwa Telecom Foundation allows students who have not yet participated in Spotlight Taiwan to gain field experience without compromising the integrity of the overall curriculum. Additionally, it increases students’ chances of standing out in the Spotlight Taiwan selection process.

 

Wang Ya-ping, Assistant Executive Director and Director of the University Social Responsibility (USR) Office, noted that NCCU is strong in the humanities and social sciences, and considers “visual literacy” an essential secondary skill for students. While students’ visual storytelling abilities have improved over the years, their problem-awareness still needs to be strengthened. NCCU also has over 200 Indigenous students, including approximately 60 Indigenous graduate students. Previous research often addressed community issues solely through written theses; combining these efforts with visual media would enhance their impact. Furthermore, since NCCU’s USR initiatives are deeply engaged across multiple ethnic communities, the Office can assist in connecting the Foundation with potential sites or facilitating the implementation of new thematic projects in the future.